[Case study] Features and benefits of stamp rallies using AR

When it comes to stamp rallying, the standard method is to use paper and stamps, but in recent years we have been seeing more and more digital stamp rallying and stamp rallying using AR.
This article will introduce how to use stamp rally using AR, its features and disadvantages, and examples of actual use.

What is the AR stamp rally?

AR Stamp Rally is a digital stamp rally that allows you to collect stamps on your mobile device.
Just like with traditional paper type stamp rally, you can collect stamps through designated locations. Prizes may be available depending on the stamps you collect.

How to use AR stamp rally

Using the AR stamp rally is very easy.
Simply read the two-dimensional barcodes and AR markers installed at the specified location with your smartphone camera to accumulate stamps on the screen.

In addition, to participate in the AR stamp rally, use the "App" or "Web AR."
In the case of "apps", you will need to download a dedicated app to a mobile device such as a smartphone. On the other hand, in the case of "Web AR", you can participate from a web page, so there is no need to download a dedicated app.

Features and benefits of stamp rally using AR

We will introduce the features and benefits of AR stamp rally compared to regular paper stamp rally.

Reducing costs and labor costs

Anyone can participate in the AR stamp rally as long as you have a smartphone.
Therefore, there is no need to extensive preparation such as stamps, backings, and stamp stands required for a paper stamp rally. In addition to printing and equipment costs, it also reduces labor costs for installation and checking.

Travel and tour policies, improving customer satisfaction

AR Stamp Rally is effective as a measure to allow people to see the smallest details of a wide range of venues, such as tourist spots, commercial facilities, and events.
For example, specifying stamps at locations where you want to attract customers, such as new stores in a shopping mall or events corners, will improve your travel and tour rate. Additionally, by displaying historical explanations and other information on stamped locations at tourist spots, you can also improve your stay time and customer satisfaction.

Effective for inbound measures

In recent years, tourists have started to come from all countries, including Asia and the West.
Multilingual support will be required when holding stamp rally for foreign visitors to Japan. When using paper, posters and backings that support many languages ​​are required, which means that time for advance preparation, labor costs, and printing costs will increase.
However, stamp rally using AR can be supported on the web or app, making it easy and cost-saving.

Flexible plans can be implemented according to the issues

You can use functions unique to AR, so you can do a variety of projects that suit your tasks, such as displaying powerful 3D and asking AR quiz.
In events that use characters, you can create a rich presentation by combining them with AR photo frames and AR panels, or if you have the challenge of increasing the number of repeat customers, discount coupons can be distributed as a stamp complete bonus, and depending on the plan, you can use them to solve problems.

Disadvantages of stamp rally using AR

So far, we have introduced the features and advantages of stamp rally using AR, but of course there are also disadvantages (differents).

Stamp rallys that use a dedicated app must be downloaded in advance, so it is not very suitable for elderly people and children who are unfamiliar with smartphones.
Furthermore, since it may not work properly in environments other than the recommended ones, the hurdle to participating in stamp rally can be raised, as you may have to prepare a device that supports the app, or depending on the communication environment, downloads take longer.

Furthermore, AR Works offers it via "Web AR" using a regular web browser, and there is no need to download the app, so the hurdle to participate is low.

Types of stamp rally using AR

There are various types of AR stamp rally, and you can use them according to your needs.

2D barcode marker type

This is the most standard type of stamp rally that uses two-dimensional barcodes and AR markers.
You can save stamps by launching the camera on your smartphone and reading the code.

Image tracking type

Image tracking is a technology that allows you to recognize objects such as illustrations and logos as markers, and when you read an object on a smartphone, AR can be displayed.
By specifying a character illustration or logo as a spot instead of an AR marker, participants can enjoy the fun of searching for spots and going around the venue. It is possible to hold stamp rally unique to that location.

▼Reference examples

Touch type

This stamp rally uses "Touch AR" provided by AR Works, and you can activate AR by simply touching a sticker or acrylic panel with your smartphone.
Stamps can be saved without starting the camera, which lowers the hurdle to participating.

GPS type

The GPS-type stamp rally works in conjunction with the GPS function that identifies the current location on a mobile device, and stamps cannot be obtained even if AR markers are loaded outside the set area.
Stamp rally participants will need to go to the designated location, making it ideal for tourism and regional revitalization measures.

Examples of using stamp rally using AR

Here are some specific examples that actually make use of AR stamp rally.

Stamp rally from the "World Heritage Site Tomioka Silk Mill" combined with a quiz

This is a quiz-AR-style rally held at the Tomioka Silk Mill, a World Heritage Site located in Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture.
This project involves taking on an AR quiz using the markers installed at each spot in the venue, and if you answer all the questions correctly, you will receive an original goods and an original AR.
By combining stamp rally and quiz, the system promotes increased travel rates and visitors' satisfaction.

▼Source

Stamp rally for "Odaiba Park Historical Site Tour" where you can learn about history fun

This is an AR stamp rally held at Daiba Park in Minato Ward, Tokyo.
If you read the markers installed in the park with your smartphone, you will see the history of the historical site and collect stamps.
This stamp rally lets you enjoy learning about the history of historical sites, where you will receive a souvenir if you collect all the stamps.

▼Source

Stamp rally from Bic Camera Shibuya East Exit Store, which promotes store tours

This is an AR stamp rally held at Bic Camera Shibuya East Exit Store, a home appliance retailer located in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo.
Collect stamps through checkpoints installed inside the store.
This policy is perfect for promoting store tours and product promotions, as you can participate in the Garapon lottery based on the number of stamps you collect.

▼Source

Stamp rally held at the "Strey Kids" exhibition

This is an AR stamp rally held at the exhibition "Strey Kids JAPAN SEASON'S GREETINGS 2025 MUSEUM" by the boy group Stray Kids.
Participants will use a dedicated app to search for checkpoints at each venue and obtain stamps.
This is a fan marketing policy, where you can hear voice messages by collecting stamps at two venues.

▼Source:

Golden Kamuy stamp rally, which uses Hokkaido as a whole

The TV anime "Golden Kamuy," based on a comic, held an AR stamp rally touring Hokkaido, where the setting was set.
You can obtain AR characters from check-in spots installed in various areas of Hokkaido using a dedicated app, allowing you to take AR photos that combine the characters you have obtained with the scenery. The stamp rally that uses the entire Hokkaido became a hot topic.
The "pilgrimage to the setting of the work" is perfect for fan marketing, and can also be used to promote regional development and tourism.

▼Source: https://kamuy-anime.com/news/index04550000.html

How to use stamp rally using AR

We will introduce the best use scenes for AR stamp rally.

Used for regional revitalization, promotion of tourism, and inbound tourism

AR is skilled at recreating historical scenes and buildings, so it is possible to provide a "sightseeing experience" exclusively for those who visit the site. By obtaining stamps, you can take photos by overlaying ancient buildings in the current scenery, or by incorporating mechanisms that display explanations of culture and history, you can experience the unique charms of the region. Multilingual compatibility is also easy, so it is possible to implement plans to improve travel rates and satisfaction regardless of the nationality of visitors.

Furthermore, since paper stamps are not used, it can promote tourism that takes into consideration ecotourism, which has been attracting attention in recent years.

Commemorative events and entertainment events

Stamp rally using AR goes well with entertainment and is also effective as a mechanism to increase fan engagement. By using photo rally formats where you can take photos with idols and characters, and using limited edition merchandise as a complete bonus, you can increase fan satisfaction and deepen your interest in content and brands. It is easy to link with social media, so if you include a system to encourage sharing, you can also create a hot topic. It is effective for fan marketing in a variety of fields, including music festivals, theme parks, and anime events.

▼Reference examples

Commercial facilities and shopping malls

When holding stamp rally using AR at a commercial facility, it can be expected to be particularly effective against families and young people. By adding AR content suitable for children and younger generations to stamp rally that allows you to participate in a game-like way, it will help attract the digital native generation. It is effective in improving the travel rate within the facility, advertising new stores, and promoting local contributions.

In addition, stamp rally using AR allows for numerical analysis that could not be possible with paper stamp rally. You can analyze the dates, times, number of people, etc. when using the stamp rally, so it can be used in future marketing.

AR Works allows you to easily hold AR stamp rally

Even if you are interested in stamp rally using AR, you may be hesitant when you think about planning and interactions with the production company.
With AR Works, you can hold events with less effort and cost.

Our specialized AR production team provides full support

AR Works is supported by a specialized team with a wealth of experience in AR production. Instead of "making what you're requested and then finishing," we handle everything from planning to production to delivery.
We have experience in providing stamp rally using AR to customers in a variety of industries, so we will provide tailor-made suggestions that meet your challenges and concerns.

Experience AR without the need for an app

AR Works offers AR that can be experienced in a web browser, so there's no need to download a dedicated app in advance.
Anyone can easily experience AR, making it possible to reach a wide range of people.

Choose your original and template

You can choose from two types of AR Works stamp rally: "original" and "template."
"Original" designs are created from scratch in response to customer requests. It can provide a rich experience, so it is recommended for those who want to focus on branding or for big events.
"Templates" are simple patterns that fit materials into a general-purpose design. Compared to the original, it allows for lower delivery times and prices, so it is recommended for those who want to start an AR stamp rally casually or hold it at multiple periods and locations.

We also create posters, flyers, and campaign websites as options.

Introducing AR Works achievements

You can see the track record of AR Works production below. We introduce a variety of situations, including promotions, events, and attracting attention, so please take a look.

▼List of achievements | AR Works
https://promotion.ar-works.jp/achievement

Summary of AR Stamp Rally

AR stamp rally that is easy to achieve results is recommended for promotions

AR's stamp rally has been attracting attention as an effective marketing method that combines the long-standing "stamp rally" and "digital technology." Unlike paper stamp rally, there is no need to prepare paper, stamps, stamps, etc., so you can easily start.
There are a wide range of uses, and can be held in any situation, including tourist spots, commercial facilities, and events. By creating highly flexible plans that suit the issues, it can also be used as a long-term promotion. Furthermore, it is easier to share on social media, and word-of-mouth spreads more easily than before.

If you are worried about travel rates, duration of stay, and increased awareness of products and brands, why not consider this as one of the new projects?

Download examples of digital stamp rally x AR use

We have compiled examples of using stamp rally using AR, including travel and round trip measures, promotion of social media buzz, and projects that enhance gameplay.
Please feel free to download.